AI AW - Use 7.62x51mm or .308?

dbsinh2o

SSgt
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 29, 2011
377
2
VA & RI
Just wondering if someone can clarify which type of ammo works best in an AI AW.

The barrel is marked 7.62x51mm, but the owner's manual also recommends ".308 168gn Match".

I know there are pressure differences between the two cartridges. Does AI chamber these for .308 and mark them as 7.62x51mm?

This seems backwards from what I've always been told (don't use .308 in a 7.62).


 
Re: AI AW - Use 7.62x51mm or .308?

Use either.

It says "7.62x51", so it can qualify to be used by NATO troops. If it said 308, it couldn't.

You're right, 308 can be higher pressure than NATO, but the AI is good to go with either.

Enjoy.
 
Re: AI AW - Use 7.62x51mm or .308?

It is debatable in a gas gun but would say it has more to do with soft primers. I shoot 308 out of my AE no problem.